Cost of Living in Benton, KY

Population 4,774 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

57
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Benton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $160,000.

Geographically, Benton is about 60 miles west of Clarksville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 52
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Benton

The median home value in Benton is $159,600 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $839/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,368/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 69.3°F and lows of 48.2°F, with about 8.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Benton has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$159,600
48% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$311,382
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$839/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 78.1%
Renter-occupied 21.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$839
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,453/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.3 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.3%
Carpooled
2.8%
Work from home
8.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$63,368
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,326
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
25% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Labor Force Participation
57.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.1%
Graduate degree 10.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.7
Male median age 43
Female median age 49.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.3°F
Avg Low
48.2°F
Annual Precip
50.3"
Annual Snowfall
8.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 455060707987909083725948
Low °F 273138485866696759483831
Precip" 3.853.944.645.174.874.514.303.113.553.994.094.30
Snow" 2.73.01.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.10.21.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
13
Public schools
4,807
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Benton, KY?

Benton has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.

What is average rent in Benton, KY?

The median gross rent in Benton is $839 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Benton?

The median home value in Benton is $159,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Benton?

The median household income in Benton is $63,368 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Benton, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benton is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Benton, KY affordable?

Yes, Benton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Benton?

Benton has average high temperatures of 69.3°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Average annual snowfall is 8.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Benton at a Glance

Population
4,774
Median Income
$63,368
Home Value
$159,600
Median Rent
$839/mo
Unemployment
3.6%
Avg High Temp
69.3°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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